TRAVEL TO SOUTH KOREA
South Korea is full of untouched adventures
South Korea is still free from mass tourism, perfect for experiencing a truly unique, unspoiled side of Asia.
South Korea Highlights
Explore ancient temples, epic beaches, and volcanic islands in South Korea—all easily connected by fast KTX trains!
South Korea is an incredibly diverse country that is 100% worth the trip, serving up the perfect mix of ancient history and cutting-edge modern culture. The adventure kicks off in the capital, Seoul—one of the world’s biggest mega-cities, where futuristic architecture sits right next to ancient temples. This is the global epicentre of K-pop and gaming, making it the ultimate playground to let loose and dive into youth culture. While you are exploring the capital, make sure to check out Namdaemun, the iconic historic gateway into ancient Seoul.
Beyond the neon lights of the city, South Korea’s landscape is packed with stunning national parks, historic landmarks, and gorgeous beaches. If you are looking for an active trip, you can head to Seogwipo for diving, test your skills by trying out traditional Korean martial arts, or eat your way through the world-famous local food scene. Winter sports fans can also celebrate, because South Korea boasts 13 different ski resorts, making it a seriously underrated destination to hit the slopes before defrosting in a local thermal hot spring.
For a truly unique and surreal experience, a tour to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the border of North and South Korea is an absolute must, offering a fascinating and heavy insight into the intense history of the Korean Peninsula. Finally, no trip is complete without visiting Jeju Island. This tropical paradise is a dream for nature lovers, known for its wild volcanic landscapes, hidden waterfalls, and crystal-clear water. It is the perfect spot to unwind on the beach, tackle epic hikes, or trek up the famous Mount Hallasan.
Hit the sights in South Korea
Need help planning your trip to Asia?
Our travel experts can help you refine your ideas, pick the right destinations and plan your trip from start to finish.
The capitol, Seoul
The ultimate blend of new & old
Seoul is a massive metropolis where futuristic, modern architecture meets ancient temples and palaces. It is the absolute best place to soak in South Korean culture. The city is a playground for youth culture. Whether you want to dive into the epic gaming and e-sports scene, explore next-level K-beauty trends, or dance to K-pop all night long at world-class clubs, Seoul has an endless list of vibes to discover. Want to see what traditional everyday life used to look like? Take a quick day trip just outside the city to the Korean Folk Village in Yongin. It’s an immersive, living museum packed with traditional houses, historic art, street dances, and ancient ceremonies. It’s an absolute must-see, and super easy to reach by bus from central Seoul!
Gyeongbokgun palace
South Korea isn't just Seoul
Discover the diverse areas of South Korea
Why choose KILROY for your next trip
30+ years of expertise
For more than three decades, we’ve helped travellers discover the world. Our specialist knowledge and trusted global partners help you explore with confidence.
Personal travel advice
One dedicated travel expert who understands your plans, preferences, and goals. From first idea to journey home, they’ll guide you every step of the way.
24/7 support, wherever you are
If the unexpected happens, emergency support is always within reach. Wherever you are and whenever you need us, a KILROY expert is ready to help you.
The KILROY effect
The best trips don’t end when you get home. We create journeys filled with experiences, stories, and memories that stay with you long after the adventure ends.
South Korea for the foodies
This is the ultimate South Korea food checklist
From interactive tabletop grills to vibrant night markets, eating is the heart of the South Korean experience, and there are several absolute must-try dishes when you are there. Start with the sit-down icons like Korean BBQ (Gogi-jip), where you grill your own meat right at the table and wrap pork belly (Samgyeopsal) in a lettuce leaf with garlic and savory ssamjang paste. You should also try Dolsot Bibimbap, a classic rice, vegetable, and meat dish served in a blistering hot stone bowl that creates a layer of irresistibly crunchy rice at the bottom, or order a bubbling Jjigae (hearty stew) like savory pork Kimchi Jjigae or spicy, silky Soondubu Jjigae. For a more casual vibe, head to hotspots like Seoul’s Gwangjang Market or Myeongdong to graze on legendary street eats, including chewy Tteokbokki in a sweet and fiery red chili sauce, savory Gimbap seaweed rice rolls, plump Mandu dumplings, and sweet Hotteok pancakes oozing with molten brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. Finally, unwind like a local with late-night staples like Chimaek, the famous double-fried chicken ordered ban-ban (half plain, half sweet-and-spicy) and paired with cold beer, or cool down with Naengmyeon, a refreshing summertime lifesaver featuring chewy buckwheat noodles in an icy, tangy beef broth.
Have some amazing street food
FAQ
Preparing for South Korea is easy, but there are a few essentials you need to lock down before you jet off.
Passport & Visa: If you hold a European/Western passport (like Dutch, Norwegian, UK, etc.), you can usually travel to South Korea as a tourist visa-free for up to 90 days. Just make sure your passport is valid for your entire stay.
Flight Tickets: Book your flights well in advance to score the best deals and avoid brutal layovers. Tip: We can help you compare and book the best routes without the annoying stopovers!
Travel Insurance: A solid travel insurance policy is an absolute must. You want to make sure you're covered for medical expenses or any unexpected plot twists during your trip.
Money & Currency: South Korea uses the Korean Won (KRW). While cards work almost everywhere, it’s always a good idea to keep some cash on you for street food markets and small local spots.
Vaccinations: Check your vaccine status before you go. It's always smart to have a quick chat with your doctor or local travel clinic to see what’s recommended for South Korea.
South Korea is definitely pricier than hotspot destinations in Southeast Asia, but it’s honestly not as expensive as most people think! With a bit of planning and some smart choices, you can experience this mind-blowing country without completely draining your bank account.
South Korea has options for every budget level. While flights and high-end hotels can eat up a chunk of your cash, there are tons of budget-friendly alternatives like capsule hostels, cool guesthouses, and affordable boutique hotels. Bonus: We know exactly where to find the best, most budget-friendly stays, so you don't have to stress!
South Korea has a mix of humid continental and subtropical climates, meaning the weather swings pretty drastically. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures sometimes hitting a scorching 40°C (104°F). On the flip side, winters are long and freezing.
Because of this, the absolute sweet spot to visit is September to November (autumn), when the weather is beautiful and the fall colors are peaking. April and May (spring) are also amazing options, though keep in mind it gets pretty crowded as travelers flock in for the cherry blossoms. Try to avoid July and August if you can—that’s monsoon season, and dealing with non-stop rain and heavy humidity isn't ideal for exploring!
Hit up Gyeongju: Dive deep into Korean history and culture by exploring ancient temples and shrines. The Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto are absolute must-sees.
Jeju Island: Check out South Korea’s largest island, famous for its gorgeous beaches, epic volcanic landscapes, and the massive Mount Hallasan.
ide the KTX: Zip across the country fast and comfortably on the Korea Train Express (KTX) to cool cities like Busan, Daegu, and Daejeon.
Explore Busan: Soak up the tropical vibes at Haeundae Beach and get those Instagram shots at the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village for a unique cultural experience.
Festival Season: Experience authentic Korean traditions by hitting up major events like the Boryeong Mud Festival or the Andong Mask Dance Festival.
Tripitaka Koreana: Check out this unique, mind-blowing collection of Buddhist scriptures carved onto beautifully preserved wooden blocks.
Hallyo Haesang National Park: The perfect spot to go for a swim in crystal-clear water, surrounded by a stunning coastline and tons of islands.
Songnisan National Park: Packed with amazing trekking trails. Plus, you can visit Beopjusa (Popchusa), one of South Korea’s largest and definitely most fascinating temple complexes.
Cheju-do Island (aka Jejudo): Trek through volcanic landscapes, over rugged cliffs, and into massive caves. You can literally hike through the world’s longest lava tube (!)—the whole island has a totally magical, otherworldly vibe.
Seoraksan: This place has it all—massive waterfalls, lush untouched forests, epic mountains, wild rivers, white sand beaches, and ancient temples!
